PHOTO: Russia’s president Vladimir Putin. Photo Credit: © Sharifulin Valery/TASS via ZUMA Press
On the 23rd of October 2019, Russian president Vladimir Putin welcomed thousands of African to discuss about politics and business that is reportedly worth billions of dollars. The Russian president has promised to refrain from political or other influence.
The event continues on the 24th of October 2019, which will see about 3000 leaders from across Russia and Africa. The event is aimed at discussing an array of topics ranging from fromnuclear energy to mineral extraction. All 54 African states have sent forth representatives, including 43 heads of states or government according to Kemlin advisor Yuri Ushakov.
We currently export $25 billion worth of food to Africa, which is more than we export arms, at $15 billion. In the next four to five years, I think we should be able to double this trade, at least,” said Putin.
Russia has dominated arms sales in recent times in Africa, but this time, the Russian president has promised further cooperation between Africa and Russia without political or other interference. It comes as a result of African states who have recently tabled complains about African states depending on Ghana.
Russia is looking to sign a potential military agreement with Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast is expected to send a delegation of 70 people to Sochi, including President Alassane Ousattara.
Putin further expressed concerns and pledged for military and security coperation with Africa, seeking for Russia to support in combating the Ebola virus with aid and training of African Cadres by Russian Universities.
Joint projects are underway in the extraction industries, agriculture, healthcare and Education, Putin said in his opening remarks.
Playing catch-up with China:
Russia also seeks to catch up after playing very pivotal role, during the Soviet era, supporting independence movements and training government leaders in former soviet client states such as Ethiopia. Moscow’s relationship with Africa deteriorated after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, with China taking over as the African continent’s main business partner.
Beijing in 2000, established the forum on China-Africa cooperation, pledging tens of billions of dollars in African infrastructural development. But both African and Chinese leaders have denied claims that Beijing is trying to build a “new colonialism.” This was back in 2015.
Putin met with his Egyptian counterpart Abdei-Fattah el-sissibefore the two leaders opened the first ever Russian-African summit.
